‘Dating Agency’ launched to help South East companies compete for London 2012 business opportunities
11 February 2008Over 400 businesses from the South East are expected to attend the regional launch of the London 2012 Business Network.
This new online service which includes a groundbreaking ‘business dating agency’ called CompeteFor aims to help encourage companies to compete for business opportunities which will help deliver the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Co-hosted by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Business Link, the launch of the London 2012 Business Network and new CompeteFor service, will take place at the Reading Madejski Stadium on 20th February. The event will include a panel discussion featuring specialist speakers advising South East firms in a wide range of sectors - on how they can boost their performance and maximise their chance of gaining access to contract opportunities worth an estimated £6 billion.
Over 3,100 companies in the South East have registered to receive e-alerts about London 2012 procurement opportunities. Even in these early stages, when only a small proportion of contracts have been issued, 88 companies or organisations based in the South East have supplied the Olympic Delivery.
Authority (ODA) from hotels, hi-tech engineers, office suppliers, management consultancies, printers and sandwiches-makers.
The event, which runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm, will provide practical advice to businesses, explaining what to do and how companies in the South East can compete for London 2012 direct and supply chain contracts. There will also be a demonstration on how to use the new electronic brokerage service ‘CompeteFor’ that is accessed via www.london2012.com/business. This ‘business dating agency’ will match companies to thousands of opportunities supplying London 2012 contractors.
James E Brathwaite , Chairman of SEEDA, said: "The 2012 Games will place the UK firmly on the world stage and this offers a great opportunity for all businesses in the South East from SMEs to large corporates. This will help boost the long-term competitiveness of companies in the region which is one of the key objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy for the South East."
'CompeteFor, which is co-funded by SEEDA, will also link companies with local Business Link services which will help boost the long-term competitiveness of companies in the South East. Business Link is running a series of 'Fit to Supply' workshops in February and March, specifically to help businesses get ready to apply for 2012 opportunities. For more information go to www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/2012.'
Mr Brathwaite added: "Businesses in the South East have already shown that they are hungry to win business for London 2012. The London 2012 Business Network will allow more South East companies to benefit from the Games. SEEDA and its regional partners are committed to helping businesses make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity."
The event has been very popular and is now fully booked. So if you would like to find out more information on how your businesses can make the most of 2012 please contact your local Business Link Adviser.
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